A New Path

Wow, I don't even know where to begin. Three weeks ago, I embarked on my law school journey. In just a few short hours, it will be over. It didn't last long, but it did leave a lasting impact. My short time in law school and the circumstances surrounding it provided life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I know some people may discount my choice and simply believe that I am a quitter or that I can't do it. If you hold those thoughts, please read on. I hope that you will be able to understand my reasoning, if not... frankly, I don't care.

I spent a large portion of my childhood believing that the one career path meant for me was law. Maybe it was because I was the granddaughter and daughter of a lawyer, maybe it was because I was working in the law office when I was in fifth grade. Whatever the reason, I long dreamed of the days I would walk the halls of Jones School of Law, becoming a third generation Jones student. On August 9, 2010, those dreams became reality.

During my senior year, I went back and forth when deciding whether to attend law school. One day, I wanted to be a great family and criminal attorney. The next day, I wanted to do work with my major- Communication. And the day after that, I wanted to teach high school or college English. I know, those are three very different career paths. Each of them had potential benefits and potential downfalls. Ultimately, on one cold day in February, I decided to attend law school. The days and weeks to come all focused on my upcoming graduation and transition into law school.

I found the perfect apartment in Montgomery. I bought furniture. In July, I moved into my beautiful, new apartment- away from my happy place, Auburn. I thought the next three years of my life were now set out before me. Again, I was wrong. During orientation week, my gut told me I had not made the right decision. I thought, heck, I was here now... I might as well try it.

Try it is exactly what I did. For two weeks, I attended classes, labored long hours over casebooks, and listened to never-ending lectures. I always thought I would love every minute of law school. Quite the opposite was true- I hated every minute of law school. It all felt meaningless to me. I became numb to everything around me. I realized my heart was not in it.

Somehow, I have managed to remain sane during the past eight years. In situations where I could have easily folded, I stood strong. Deep down, I know, law school would be the straw that broke the camel's back. So, you can chop up my decision to me not being strong enough, and on that account, you would probably be right.

I want to wake up everyday and go to a job that I love for the most part. I want to know I have options. I know that committing myself to complete three years of law school would only drive me to the crazy house and produce a degree that I may never use. I have decided to save myself the heartache and my Mama the money. I won't be completing law school.

I can honestly say that I have the most amazing family and friends. As I have pondered the situation over the past week, they have been supportive and loving. My biggest fear is disappointing the ones I love the most. I can make my decision today with the peace of mind in knowing that each of them loves me as much today as they did yesterday, and they only have my best interests at heart.

Mama, Vicki, Shelby, B.B., B.B. Daddy, Grandma, Jerrel, Jamie, Heather, Ms. Janna, Chris, Laura, Sarah, Mimi, Clair, Maria, Christy, Blayne, Justin, Logan, Ashley, and all of my other wonderful friends- today, you have reminded me of the greatest earthly gift God has given me, each of your friendship and love. You have listened to me freak out, cry, debate, discuss, and eventually peacefully make my decision. When I didn't think I was strong enough to make such a monumental choice, it was some of you that gave me the strength.

Please pray for me as I begin the new path in my life... where it may lead, I have no idea... but I am thankful to know that I have each of you on my side and to know it's in God's hands.

"In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song..."

Changed for the Good

"May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall softly upon your fields, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

- Irish Blessing

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

"One more day, one more time, one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied, but then again, I know what it would do, leave me wishing still for more one more day with you."

- One More Day, Diamond Rio

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."- Dr. Seuss

"Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin, I feel you come back again, And it's like you haven't been gone a moment from my side, Like the tears were never cried, Like the hands of time are holding you and me, And with all my heart I'm sure we're closer than we ever were."

- I Believe, Diamond Rio

"Some people come into our lives and leave footprints in our hearts and we are never ever the same."- Flavia Weedn

It's hard to find words that are adequate to celebrate the life of someone who changed my life in so many ways. My relationship with Tylor taught me the true meaning of love. His actions showed selflessness and showed me how a girl should truly be treated. God bless the men that have come after Tylor, because they have big shoes to fill. I am blessed to know that I was the girl meant for Tylor, and I hold his love in my heart everyday. Three years may have passed since Tylor's death, but it seems like yesterday. Today, let us not mourn for the life taken far too young, but let us all celebrate the time we had with Tylor and remember his wonderful smile and big hugs!

Tylor Scott Gibson

August 8, 1987- August 25, 2007

"Because I knew you, I have been changed for the good..."

The Heartbreak It Brings

The more time I have to sit around and think, the more I realize the heartache caused by the month of August. For some reason, it feels like everything bad that happens in Eufaula, happens in August. I use to love the month of August- it meant my birthday and starting school! The last time I looked forward to August was in 2002.

When I started my freshman year at Eufaula High School, I never imagined how different my life would be that same time the next year. As most of you know, I lost my dad on August 26th of that year. Who would have thought, that in the prime of his life, he would have been taken away? Not me. I can still picture him as he and Mama drove Laura and me to Wildcats practice that Monday night. They dropped us off, and I said I love you. That was the last time I saw my Daddy. The days following his death seem like a blur. What I do remember, is the outpouring of love and support my family received from our community. The line that filed through the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at my dad's visitation proved he made an impact in not just my life but in the lives of so many people that he met across the years.

"Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad that you gave. One by one they came, far as the eye could see. Each life somehow touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you had made. They were unnoticed on this Earth, in heaven now proclaimed."

It's hard to believe that was almost eight years ago. Wow, the time has flown. Since then, I have graduated high school, graduated college, started law school, and sadly buried someone else I love. On August 28, 2007, we buried my boyfriend, my love Tylor. This was five years to the day we buried my Dad. It took me a long time to come to terms with Tylor's death. I lived with the reality that Tylor was in Troy to see me; however, I eventually grasped the idea that God has a plan for each person- when God wants you home, it's on his terms.

"And I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried, you hold in your hand, you've never left my side, and though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm."

Having my heart broken once was devastating, having it broken twice was unthinkable. I found a strength that I did not know I possessed in the wake of my loses. God never gives a person more than they can handle. Sometimes, I seriously questioned if he had given me too much. The month of August brings anew all of the old memories, a painful past.

"When we've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun."

On two very hot August days, five years apart, I watched two men that forever changed my life be laid to rest. Today, I was reminded that another great man lost his life in August- August 16, 1982 to be exact. I can honestly say, although I never knew him, I would not be here if it were not for him- my Mama's dad, Granddaddy Jack. I carry all three of them in my heart everyday; afterall, it was him after whom I was named. It gives me peace of sorts to know that I have an army of guardian angels watching over me everyday. Regardless of the amount of time that passes, I do not think one August will ever come and go without breaking my heart. I make it my goal to celebrate the lives of these great men, but I always wonder how different life could have been.

"It ain't fair, you died too young. Like a story that had just begun, the death tore all the pages away. God knows how I miss you, all the hell that I've been through. Just knowing no one could take your place, I wonder who you'd be today."

It's Been Too Long

Wow, it's been way too long since my last blog. Life has changed a lot since July 30th, so I will give you a run down on everything in my life. I am officially a resident of Montgomery, Alabama. I have had a lot of requests for pictures of my new apartment, and I will post a picture blog of my apartment sometime next week- I have just a few minor details left for it to be perfect! I start law school classes tomorrow, so I don't know how often I will get the opportunity to blog, but the following are a few things I realized since the beginning of the month:

1. As much as we all hope and pray, August comes around every year, and inevitably, something bad happens.

2. I would willing cancel my birthday if we could miss this month.

3. The older you get, the last spectacular birthdays become. Sad, but all too true.

4. I am blessed to have the most wonderful group of friends and family. Not many people can say that at the age of 22, their elementary school best friends are still their best friends. I can. Not only that, I have found some more pretty awesome friends since that time.

5. Law school will be manageable. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but I believe I am perfectly capable. After all, my Daddy graduated!

6. I am glad I love to read, write, and research, if not, I would be screwed.

7. As I hugged Jamie during our last visit before he returned to North Carolina, I did not want to let go. Letting go meant he was really leaving, it meant he is really going to Afghanistan all too soon.

8. Not everyone that is given a badge and the charge to protect and serve the people will bring honor to their office. Some individuals who should be working for the greater good of a community will ultimately fail at the task. In my hometown, this failure abounds.

9. My least favorite part of the month is yet to come. This year, I will not mourn the loss of two great men, but I will celebrate their lives. My life would not be the same had each of them not had a monumental impact on me. Everyday, I carry their love in my heart.

10. I am kind of a big kid now. I know that I do not pay my own bills yet, but I am more on my own now than ever. I love it!

I hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend! Love yall!

Heaven on Earth

Well, as I write, it all seems surreal, all too bittersweet. I never thought I could fall head over heels in love with a town, and I did. I love Auburn- the school, the community, the people. It's hard to imagine that I moved here on my eighteenth birthday, almost four years ago. And today, I will say goodbye to the town that stole my heart and forever changed my life. I honestly believed I could make it through my final days in Auburn without crying or getting too emotional. As I drove down College Street last night, I saw campus- the Auburn University sign and the lights shining on Samford Hall. At that point, it hit me. It was my last night in Auburn. Sure, I can visit anytime and ride around the place I called home for four years; however, it will never be the same again.

I decided that on my last night, I would ride around campus one more time. I reminisced about some of my most memorable Auburn moments as I drove down College, Samford, Donahue, and Magnolia. As I drove by the President's mansion, I recalled Bid Day 2006. On that lawn, I nervously waited with my Pi Chi group as we watched our bids arrive. One by one, we opened our bids and our destiny for the next four years was laid out in front of us. I clearly remembering running to Boyd Hall to be greeted by the massive amounts of red and green that would become a dominant part of my life. The Hill dorms further reminded me of Rush and my first three years in Alpha Chi. I made friends that will last a lifetime in the Epsilon Zeta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.

I turned onto Donahue and saw the Athletic Department. I slaved long hours in that building making my best attempt at educating some of Auburn's finest athletes. It was not until my time in the Athletic Department that I realized how much behind the scenes work goes into running a competitive, college level athletic program. I developed close bonds with some of Auburn's future standout players. As I watch Auburn football this year, I will proudly cheer for my team, my friends.

Next, I saw the Coliseum and could only think of the Auburn vs. Tennessee women's game last season. I have never seen the Coliseum so packed. The best part, of course, was Auburn beating Pat Summitt's Lady Vols. Directly across from the Coliseum sits the new Auburn Arena. Wow, is all I can say about it. I had the privilege of touring the Arena on A-Day in April, and I can not wait for basketball season to begin. As Auburn tries to revamp its basketball program, a new coach and the Auburn Arena should definitely help the effort. Any high school recruit will stand in awe at the sight of the magnificent facility.

I believe the most tears flowed as I passed Jordan-Hare Stadium. I have attended Auburn football games since I was two years old, and I always dreamed of the day I would attend Auburn. Now, that dream has come and gone- I have the beautifully framed diploma to prove it! Some of my most meaningful Auburn memories took place in the stadium. During my tenure at Auburn, I saw the ultimate downfall of one head coach and the questionable arrival of his successor. Let me highlight a portion of that last word- success. Auburn fans across the country were puzzled and confused as the hiring of Gene Chizik was announced. I honestly thought Auburn had lost its mind. Boy, could I have not been more wrong. Coach Chizik brought a new outlook to Auburn football and managed to have an 8-5 season. All of the players have faith in their coaches and trust their decisions, they are truly a family.

The greatest testament to the idea of the Auburn family was seen during the 2009 Iron Bowl. Our Tigers fought a long, hard battle against the #2 ranked Crimson Tide, and we ultimately lost 26-21. Of course, the Alabama fans celebrated in usual fashion; after all, they completed an undefeated regular season, a huge feat in the Southeastern Conference. But, on that day, something unexpected happened. Just as the Alabama fans stayed in their seats at the end of the game to celebrate, so did the Auburn fans. As our boys walked off the field, it was to the sounds of "I'm Proud to be an Auburn Tiger" screamed by 80,000 ecstatic fans. Auburn's victory may have only been a moral victory, but it left Alabama fans and sports announcers in shock. It provided a glimpse into what the future holds- a new era of Auburn football. Most importantly, it allowed the entire nation to see what being a member of the Auburn family truly means.

As I finished my tour around campus, I thought of my times in Glom Office. Without a doubt, this was my safe haven on campus. My Auburn experience would not have been complete without my memories in this office with Lisa, Ben, Chad, Taylor, and so many more. Two other opportunities allowed me to give back to Auburn, a school and town that gave me so much. Serving as the director of the 2009 Miss Auburn University Pageant and working for two years as a SOS orientation leader. Both of these programs gave me greater insight into Auburn and allowed me to create bonds that I will cherish forever.

As I hit I-85 South tonight, I will leave part of my heart on the Plains. Auburn served as a safe place for me to return to after one of the worst experiences of my life. Auburn gave me the opportunity to meet fabulous people, people that will be my best friends for years to come. Auburn not only provided me with an education but with ample life-changing and growing experiences. As I survive my first year of law school, I will frequently revert back to the good times I had in Auburn- whether it was singing the Alma Mater at the top of my lungs with Heather in Apartment 213 or standing in the pouring rain to watch Auburn defeat West Virginia. No matter where life takes me or what God has in planned for my future, I will always be most proud to tell people that I am not just an Auburn graduate but a member of the Auburn family.

All in a Day's News- July 28th Edition

It has been entirely too long since I wrote a blog, especially a news blog. I got swamped with packing and moving (pictures to come). There is too much going on in the world, but as usual, I will discuss some of the hottest topics in the headlines.

BP Oil Spill
Let's see- Tony Hayward is no longer CEO of the company. I am so glad he got his life back, really I am. I also pray that we never have to see or hear him open his mouth again on national television, and insert both of his feet, as is a favorite hobby of his. The clean-up appears to be making progress. I do have one question though. There is not a lot of visible oil on the surface- where is it? Are there huge oil clouds under the surface, sucking the life out of all the ocean life? Also, how hard is it to clean up the ocean and manage to nevigate around the other oil wells? Apparently, pretty difficult. BP just can't manage to make one step forward without taking two steps backward. I do appreciate the jobs they are attempting to provide for those who have lost their way of life and the money they are funneling into places such as Gulf Shores. Overall, it's Day 100- still no permanent solution.

Leaked War Information
Should there even be a question concerning whether this is OK or not? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Under no circumstances do I find it acceptable to leak information that could potentially harm our soldiers and allies. Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, does not live in the United States. It is not his neighbor, brother, sister, son, daughter, or best friend whose life is being put in danger. Can the United States of America, the most powerful nation in the free world, not do something about this situation? I suppose some type of injunction in the matter would directly violate one of the main freedoms guaranteed to all people in our Constitution. The founding fathers should have created a clause that exempts stupid people from being protected by this "Constitutional right." This story infuriates me. Our government needs to maintain better control of its documents, and people should probably think twice about the possible ramifications of their actions.

The NCAA's Power Trip
What can I say? The National College Athletic Association is on a mission. Operation Clean Up College Football. Following the end of the USC investigation, they have not slowed down. Most of their recent activity focuses on the southeastern portion of the United States, imagine that. Cheating and dishonesty in southern football? Never. Honestly, NCAA investigations and questionable incidents and circumstances are as common in southern football as championships and NFL prospects. Nick Saban highlighted the recent NCAA probes surrounding players dealings with agents. He got fire, hot, and angry discussing the topic at SEC Media Days last week. He went as far as to compare agents to pimps. Really, Nick, while that maybe true, the players should take some responsibility on the matter as well. The agents play downright dirty games; however, the players ultimately determine their own destiny- do they join the agents or do they take the higher road. In light of the recent NCAA investigations, I pray all of the players on my favorite teams take the higher road. Is it really worth risking everything for a few hundred dollars or a weekend of partying in South Beach? Not at all.

I could go on and on about the happenings in the world. But, I will stick to these three main topics. I hope everyone has had a great Wednesday. We are half way through the week!

Your Status...REALLY?!?

This blog is by special request- thanks Amelia! I have to agree, it is definitely needed. I have outlined general guidelines that I believe should be followed when using Facebook. Today's blog focuses on the simple do's and do not's of Facebook statuses. Once again, please feel free to provide input... I know I will miss some pretty disturbing ones.

Drum Roll Please

In no random order... things that should not appear on your Facebook status:

1. No one cares about anything that has to do with your bodily functions. Really, that is just nasty. If you have to pass gas or do the #2... your Facebook family can live without knowing about it.

2. Along those same lines, no one needs to know about the enormous gash in your leg that is ozzing green liquid and smells bad. That is beyond nasty, it's disgusting.

3. It is awesome that you want to use your status to promote safe sex; however, you should probably carefully word the status. Anything that discusses your trip to the health department because you heard rumors about yourself, rumors indicating you have an STI, probably is not Facebook appropriate. I do, however, commend the attempt at a public service status.

4. While we are talking about sex (yes, you can blush now), no one needs to know about your sex life. We do not need to know that there is a "fire in your bedroom that needs putting out." We do not need to know that you don't care if it "burns when you pee," because you are in love with a stripper. Keep your sex life at your house, preferably off your computer.

5. You should definitely not use your status to personally attack your lover, especially if that person is, in reality, dating or married to someone else. It makes all parties appear rather ridiculous.

6. In fact, you should not use your status to personally attack anyone. You should avoid direct arguments via Facebook statuses at all times. It provides entertainment for others, but they are actually laughing at your lack of maturity.

7. I do not know how many times that same sentiment needs to be reiterated- please do no make every status about your boyfriend, baby daddy, or crush. Your relationship is not between you and your significant other when you make every moment public knowledge. Also, do not lie about spending time or participating in activities... that's creepy.

8. Do not detail every single activity of your day. If you had a stalker, they would be able to charge you with enabling their activity- anyone could locate you at any point in any day. Maintain some type of privacy and discretion.

9. Do not put ludicrous or offensive lyrics or quotes on your status. You probably have an adult friend or a younger child friend. Try to refrain from dropping the "f bomb" and what not on your status.

10. Think. If everyone thought while using Facebook, it would make it a more drama-free (yes, slightly less entertaining) place.

I know not everyone adheres to these rules; although, in my book, they should. I have several Marines as friends, and I could write an entire blog referencing their statuses alone. Next time you decide to share your thoughts or actions with your Facebook family, please consider... is it really appropriate? Have a great weekend!